On a recent podcast, actor Matt Bomer shared his ‘understanding’ that he lost out on a three-picture deal in the early 2000s due to his sexuality. Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Matt revealed that he was considered to portray Superman in films backed by Warner Bros. that were never made.
Potential Superman Role and Lost Opportunity
Matt Bomer could’ve played Superman, but he claims he was dumped due to his sexuality. While discussing the topic, Matt revealed that he was considered for the role of Superman in an early iteration called Superman: Flyby, written by J.J. Abrams. Matt was shooting for the soap opera Guiding Light when the producers wrote off his character because he had a chance to portray the major superhero. “It looked like I was the director’s choice for the role. I signed a three-picture deal at Warner Bros.,” Bomer shared.
Impact of Sexual Orientation on Casting
When asked if his sexual orientation affected the casting, Matt confirmed that was his ‘understanding’ and added, “That was a time in the industry when something like that could still really be weaponized against you. How, and why, and who, I don’t know, but yeah, that’s my understanding.” No Superman: Flyby film has been made to date, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
Public Revelation of Sexuality
Matt Bomer did not come out as gay publicly until 2012. While accepting the Steve Chase Humanitarian Award that year, he thanked his husband, Simon Halls, and their three children. This public acknowledgment was a significant step in Bomer’s personal and professional life, highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ actors in Hollywood.
The Superman Franchise’s Evolution
In 2006, filmmaker Bryan Singer released Superman Returns with Brandon Routh. The film centers on Superman as he returns to Earth after a five-year absence, discovering that his love interest, Lois Lane, has moved on with her life and his archenemy, Lex Luthor, is plotting a scheme to kill him. The Warner Bros.-backed film received mixed reviews, marking a significant moment in the franchise’s history.
Upcoming Superman Reboot
James Gunn’s Superman reboot is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, starring David Corenswet in the title role. Initially titled Superman: Legacy, the film marks a new chapter in the Superman saga. Henry Cavill was expected to reprise his role as Superman, but plans were dropped due to the troubled production of Justice League, paving the way for a fresh start with a new lead.
Matt Bomer’s revelation sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ actors and the evolving landscape of the Superman franchise. Fans eagerly await the next iteration of the iconic superhero, while reflecting on the missed opportunities of the past.